Percy Grainger (1882 – 1961), an Australian born composer, pianist and plethora of other things (including sadomasochist) established an autobiographical museum for himself on the ground of Melbourne University.
He essentially created a space where his existence could be stored for the future. This space houses photographs he took, musical instruments he created, clothes he wore and items from his day to day life. In a sense his very identity, represented in the physical and conceptual, is present in the building.
Despite being deceased for decades now the idea of Grainger lives in this building. You can here is music being played throughout the narrow halls he had designed. His mother, Rose, who he was very close to also features strongly.
Grainger had a strong focus on expanding your creativity, something Specific To Site also encourages. His desire to create new sound/compositions resulted in him both collecting and building new instrument. Precursors to synths which would be available a few short years after his death. His elaborate Kangaroo Pouch Machine, built with the aid of Burnett Cross and wife Ella and created with industrial junk produces haunting “melodies” that give example to his imagination and ingenuity.
Through the exhibition you develop a strong sense of who Grainger was. With the aid of a guided tour, you feel like you knew him. He is specific to this site.
